WJTV – State auditor: Over $4 million stolen from Mississippi’s poorest
YP – State Auditor White holds press conference to discuss DHS investigation, arrests
State Auditor Shad White held a joint press conference with Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens today on the front steps of the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson to discuss the Department of Human Services eight month investigation that has resulted in arrests of the former head of DHS and co-conspirators.
Sen. Wicker introduces SHIPS Implementation Act
The Navy’s 355-ship goal is not an arbitrary number. It is a direct result of the force’s projected needs. The SHIPS Implementation Act would provide a strategic framework and additional support to help the Navy reach its fleet goal. https://t.co/310QzAiN0X #355ships
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) February 6, 2020
YP – House kills PERS bills on drawing retirement as a legislator
The House Appropriations Committee voted on Wednesday to kill the bills relating to whether or not a legislator could serve in the House or Senate and still draw PERS retirement.
It has been the position of Speaker of the House Philip Gunn that state law does not allow for this action to take place.
Four freshmen Representatives – Rep. Andrews, Rep. Goodin, Rep. Darnell and recently resigned Rep. Blackledge – would all have been impacted if the bills made it through the process and the law was changed.
Congressman Palazzo cosponsors resolutions condemning Speaker Pelosi’s actions
Pelosi’s decision to act in a disrespectful manner is unbecoming of the House Speaker. We’ve seen her hatred for President Trump on full display, & she can no longer go unchecked.
That’s why I’ve cosponsored legislation to condemn Speaker Pelosi’s tactless temper tantrum. pic.twitter.com/jvvf1GKLCx
— Cong. Steven Palazzo (@CongPalazzo) February 6, 2020
Congressman Thompsons comments on DOJ prison investigation
Read my statement about DOJ’s investigation into Parchman. #DontForgetParchman pic.twitter.com/WvSb7Xh6oB
— Bennie G. Thompson (@BennieGThompson) February 6, 2020
State Rep. Anderson seeks phase out of grocery sales tax
Moments ago, I introduced House Request 20-45 a bill that would phase out the 7% sales tax on groceries over seven years. The tax would phase out 1% every year starting July 2020.
Click the link to see the full bill as introduced >> https://t.co/pFKjZKl0Po pic.twitter.com/6G4F0RO1Fa
— Rep. Jeramey Anderson (@jerameyanderson) February 6, 2020
WJTV – Mississippi abortion ban back in court
Sen. Hyde-Smith taking on ineligible catfish products
I’ve asked @USDAFoodSafety to hone in on new efforts by foreign countries to export ineligible catfish products to the US. Ready-to-eat snacks like ‘salted egg fish skins’ from Asia are illegal. @US_Catfish https://t.co/mcyxm7P7vj pic.twitter.com/9fI1mWUclx
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) February 6, 2020
WDAM – Miss. Supreme Court upholds decision in 2013 suit against Hattiesburg officials
On Thursday, the Mississippi Supreme Court affirmed a Court of Appeals decision in a 2013 lawsuit filed against the city of Hattiesburg, former Mayor Johnny Dupree and city council members.
Sharon Mark, a former municipal court clerk, sued the city, as well as Dupree and five city council members individually, for slander, invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Mark claimed the mayor and council members were individually liable because they acted with malice.
The lawsuit came after an investigation into allegations that Mark and several deputy clerks she supervised had hidden paperwork, shredded documents, accepted bribes in exchange for dismissing tickets, fines and warrants, and engaged in inappropriate contact with judges, according to court documents.